The Quan The Am (Avalokitecvara) festival officially began on the evening of 17 March at the Avalokitecvara Pagoda in the Marble Mountains, Ngu Hanh Son District.  The event drew a great deal of attention from both local residents and visitors.

It featured a drum performance, a petition-submitting ritual dance, and numerous impressive activities.  In particular, a delegation of monks from Thailand presented an item featuring the plait of flowers and leaves to the Naga (snake god with a lotus-shaped lamp support comprising 7 snake heads). 

Chairman of Ngu Hanh Son District People's Committee, Mr Le Hoang Duc, beating the drum to begin the festival (photo: dulichvn.org.vn)

In addition, visitors could enjoy impressive works by Japanese and Vietnamese calligraphists.  At 9 pm, locals and visitors began floating flower garlands and coloured lanterns on the Co Co River to pray for happiness and peace.

A solemn traditional ritual dance (photo: dulichvn.org.vn)

Earlier on Monday, various exciting cultural activities had been held to celebrate the festival.  These included a photo exhibition about the Marble Mountains, “bai choi” (singing while acting as playing cards), and a calligraphy exhibition.

A prayer ceremony of Theravada Buddhists was held at 7am today, whilst a blessing ceremony on the meaning of Buddhist relics was opened at 2pm.  Also today, tug-of-war and stick pushing competitions and some martial arts performances are being held.